Getting it right!
Letting go of the past!
Reconciling friendships!
Obtaining better health!
Learning more!
Wasting less time!
Growing spiritually!

Even if you’ve said that you’ll never make another New Year’s resolution, I know you think about how this new year will be different from the last. Even if you don’t write down your goals, I believe that you mentally make notes of what you want to improve or accomplish in the new year.

Me too!

I haven’t been very successful at New Year’s resolutions. Sure, I start off great, with good intentions. And I strive to get better with every month. But somehow, I fizzle out part way through.

I do believe that setting goals is an admirable thing because this is one sure way to turn our vision into reality. Setting goals gives us long-term vision and short-term motivation. 

Note: It’s important that our goals are reachable, attainable. 

I was friends with a classmate in college who seemed to always achieve her highest goals through shear determination and resolute discipline. I’ve lost touch with her over the years, but something tells me that she’s become very successful in life – as a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, and follower of Christ. 

I want that kind of discipline.

So as I look toward the new year, I would like to improve on two important aspects in my life. I want to get healthier both physically and spiritually. 

There are many other things I want to improve in my life and things I would like to achieve in this next year, but these two are the biggest. I choose to not let my goals for 2017 overwhelm me.

I will need to make sacrifices. Like eating less, going to the gym regularly, and getting up earlier to spend time with the Lord. I will put God’s Word before me more. I will incorporate time for writing during the day. 

Not only will I have goals, but I will write out a strategy. Simple strategy.  

And then I will PRAY for help. 

After listing his credentials, the Apostle Paul said, “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:7-8). 

There really is no greater aspiration than to know Christ more. 

I’m writing this blog post for you, too. Will you tell us what your goals are for the new year and how you plan to reach them? Even if they’re just in your mind, please share them with us.

We need each others’ encouragement. And perhaps your dreams for the future will give us enough motivation to move forward with ours, too. 

Please write your comments below. Let’s help each other out.

Have a blessed and successful New Year,